Which NYC-Boston Chinatown bus is best?

[tagiunagi]

Posted: 7/27/08 at 11:07pm

Could someone give me info on the different buses? Fares? Reliability? Which bus has the best record of not busting into flames while in transit?

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 7/27/08 at 11:38pm

Updated On: 1/14/09 at 11:38 PM

[BDrischBDemented]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 12:38am

I have yet to actually, you know, take it, but my boyfriend and I are taking Megabus to New York next weekend, and I think the fare was six dollars there at 4 PM and twelve dollars back for a one-thirty bus, I think. I know people who have taken it, and they did not catch on fire in the least. It looks more reassuring than, say, the Fung Wah.

[Mamie]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 9:10am

I've taken both Washington Deluxe and Eastern many times. I'd give WD a 90% positive rating. I've knocked them down a bit because of a couple of times when the guy taking the tickets got a little snotty with some of the passengers. (I'd never seen that happen on there before.)

I give Eastern a full 100% positive rating. Considerate and friendly service and new, clean and comfortable buses. They've always departed on time and arrived within 10 minutes of the planned arrival times. As long as their schedule fits my needs, I'll use them!
http://www.nydcexpress.com/

[tagiunagi]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 10:20am

Nuts! It looks like the Eastern doesn't go from NYC to Boston and that's what I need!

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 10:41am

The two I hear most about are Lucky Star and Fung Wah. Jaystarr will know more about them probably, but I believe both are around $15 each way.

There's a new bus called Bolt Bus. I don't think it is a Chinatown bus, and it might be slightly more expensive, but they have WiFi on board.

Posted: 7/28/08 at 11:18am

All I know was last time I took the Chinatown bus to Boston I was seated next to a guy who WOULD NOT SHUT UP about his miniature cologne bottle collection!

[joe5]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 11:19am

Jaystarr and The Boston Globe recommend Bolt Bus. The fare is $15 each way. Bos-NYC, the bus leaves you off at Penn Station on the side walk. NYC-Bos, Picks you up on sidewalk and takes you to South Station. Yes, 25 seats have WiFi. But lots of extra legroom. joe

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 11:22am

Updated On: 1/14/09 at 11:22 AM

[joe5]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 11:32am

No they don't, but again only 25 seats.

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 11:33am

That's a hell of a lot cheaper than the $106 I paid for roundtrip on Amtrak last year!

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 11:39am

Updated On: 1/14/09 at 11:39 AM

[dalefully]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 11:31pm

Honestly, I usually take Fung Wah. Yes, it has a bit of a sketchy history, but I've never really had a problem with it and they're good for last minute seats (which is usually what I need). I've never taken Bolt, but I think you have to book them further in advance.